I’ve met quite a few arrogant people in my life, and most of them are in science/engineering academia. This definitely includes plenty of students (worse among those striving for advanced degrees), but professors tend to top them all. So many science/engineering “research professors” claim to (no joke) work in the best college/university in the world,…

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If you’re thinking about grad school in science or engineering, you’ve probably read some advice columns on how to succeed and avoid common pitfalls. I mostly found the “feel good” type of advice – essentially, that if you work hard and you aren’t a total dick, your science career will basically be smooth sailing. Frickin’…

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Welcome to grad school in chemistry! Most people envision it as an intellectually stimulating environment, in which everyone helps each other out to achieve common goals. Unfortunately, many of you chemistry grad students are lazy bastards. You don’t give a damn about your research, are only in grad school to impress your friends and family,…

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So, you’re new to grad school in chemistry. Congratulations! I’m sure you’re working hard in your classes and all, and you’re well-prepared for the academic challenges that await you. Unfortunately, so many of you are missing a critical chemistry laboratory skill: how to not kill your coworkers, by poison, fire, explosions, and the list goes…